Modelo Especial is a classic, refreshing beer choice, while Truly Vodka Seltzer provides a lighter, fruit-flavored alternative with lower calories and carbs. The choice depends on individual preferences for beer versus seltzer and dietary considerations.
| Attribute | Modelo Especial | Truly Vodka Seltzer |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Modelo Especial | Truly Vodka Seltzer |
| Type of Beverage | Pilsner-style Lager/Mexican Lager/American Lager | Vodka-based seltzer |
| Alcohol by Volume (ABV) | 4.4% or 4.5% | 5% |
| Flavor Profile | Well-balanced taste with light hop character and a crisp, clean finish. It has an orange blossom honey aroma with a hint of herb. Some detect a slightly sweet malt flavor. | Variety of dual-fruit flavors, including Blackberry & Lemon, Cherry & Lime, Pineapple & Cranberry, and Peach & Tangerine. Flavors are designed to have a predominant fruit with a complementary back note. |
| Calorie Count | 143-145 calories per 12 fl. oz. | 110 calories per 12 fl oz serving |
| Carbohydrate Content | 13.6 grams per 12 fl. oz. Some sources say 14 grams. | 4 grams per 12 fl oz serving |
| Sugar Content | Not specified, but the beer is described as having a "tantalizing sweetness". | 2 grams per 12 fl oz serving |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, non-malted cereals (such as corn), and hops. | Made with six-times distilled vodka, real fruit juice from concentrate, and natural flavors |
| Packaging | Available in cans and bottles. | Available in 12 fl oz slim cans. Sold in variety 8-packs, single-style 8-packs and 4-packs. |
| Serving Size | 12 fl. oz. | 12 fl oz |
| Price per Unit | Around $15 per 6-pack | $9.99 (4-pack) to $17.99 (8-pack) |
| Availability | Widely available. | Widely distributed nationally |
| Brand Reputation | One of the top-selling imported beers and the best-selling beer in the US. It's considered an approachable and refreshing lager. | Truly is a well-known brand in the hard seltzer market, known for innovation and a wide variety of flavors. |
| Pros | Refreshing, Easy-drinking, Smooth, Well-balanced, Crisp taste, Pairs well with food, Attractive and authentic Mexican design | Wide variety of dual-fruit flavors, Made with real fruit juice, Gluten-free, Considered delightfully refreshing and crisp, Updated pack design is lighter and more refreshing, Low-carb option |
| Cons | Not gluten-free, Not low-carb or keto-friendly, Some reviewers find the taste somewhat artificial | Some reviewers note an artificial sweetener aftertaste, Some find the peach and tangerine flavors compete, Some find the pineapple and cranberry flavors not pairing as well as expected |